Calcaneal Spur: Treatments in India

Calcaneal spur or Plantar Fasciitis is a common painful disorder affecting the heel and underside of the foot. Approximately 10% of people have plantar fasciitis at some point during their lifetime. It is a disorder of the insertion site of the plantar fascia on the heel bone and is characterized by scarring and inflammation. It is often caused by overuse injury of the plantar fascia, sudden increases in exercise, weight, or age. It is also seen more commonly in people with high arched feet.

An incidental finding associated with this condition is a bony spur, a small bony calcification on the calcaneus (heel bone), which can be found in up to 50% of those with plantar fasciitis. In such cases, it is the underlying plantar fasciitis that produces the heel pain, and not the spur itself. 

The heel pain characteristic of plantar fasciitis is usually felt on the bottom of the heel and is most intense with the first steps of the day or after getting up to walk after prolonged sitting.

Treatment Options

1. Ice compression of the affected areas reduces the inflammation and hence the pain
2. Stretching of the plantar fascia and the achilles tendon help reduce the pain in the long run
3. Wearing the correct orthotic is critical, for Plantar Fasciitis you would need a heel offloading insole with adequate arch support. This helps in supporting the arch and prevents the plantar fascia from getting stretched.